After a casual start to the season, the Thunder will play 16 times in November, starting with games against the Utah Grizzlies at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday at Stockton Arena, as part of Thunder Goes Pink VIII, which is dedicated to breast cancer awareness and raises funds for the St. Joseph's Foundation - Breast Health Service.

After playing just three times in the first two weeks of the season, Thunder coach Rich Kromm has been preparing the team for the heavier schedule.

"It will be very busy, there's no doubt about it," Kromm said. "The critical part is going to be how (the players) manage themselves away from the rink. They are adults, and they need to make sure they are getting the rest and nourishment they need."

Thunder defenseman and alternate captain Ryan Constant said he and his teammates need to pace themselves, which isn't easy in pro hockey. The Thunder (2-1-0) tries to break up the season into smaller increments in their minds.

"It's a lot of games in not so many nights, and it will be a challenge for us," Constant said. "We want to stay fresh and take care of our bodies. We have this thing where we try to take the season in five-game groups, and we are going pretty good in the first five games. Now we want to have a strong weekend."

Kromm believes it's beneficial to approach the season in five-game intervals.

"I think taking it that way gives you a better opportunity to focus," he said.

Goaltenders, Parker Milner and Brian Foster, will have plenty of work. According to Kromm, Milner will start tonight, and Foster likely will be in the net on Saturday.

"They both have to be ready to play because they both will play," Kromm said. "We'll see how it goes, and if one of them gets hot, he might get more games. But they are both going to get playing time."

The Grizzlies (1-1-2) are coached by Tim Branham, an assistant coach with the Reading Royals last season when they defeated the Thunder in the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals. Forwards David Vallorani and Danick Paquette were also with the Royals last season.